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August always proves that Bristol is the place to be with plenty of events to suit all tastes and with 20% less traffic on the roads during peak hours due to the school holidays, everywhere is accessible.

This month sees the return of a number of classic Bristol events including:-

1-3 August The Bristol Harbour Festival around the waterfront and docks

Visitors will enjoy 3 days of outstanding free entertainment in the beautiful setting of Bristol's historic harbour. There is a diverse programme of attractions, from international party sounds and world music, to Cirque Bijouís energetic Circus programme. There is also a Dance Village and, of course, the programme of activities on the water of which the historical ships and the festival's trademark fireworks are the highlights.

7-10 August The Discovery Channel International Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court

The Fiesta regularly draws crowds of up to half a million people from across the country by combining the spectacle of mass hot air balloon ascents with a daily programme of top class entertainment, children's activities, carefully selected food and drink outlets, awe inspiring Night Glows together with a whole array of exhibitors and shopping opportunities.
 
Perhaps the most amazing part is that after 30 years the Fiesta continues to provide all this free of charge - so it's no surprise that the Fiesta is one of the most popular family days out in the whole country.

8th and 15th August  Queens Square Sessions at Queens Square

Head down to Queen Square after a day's work and enjoy a relaxing summer evening of music from home-grown talents. From jazz-funk to laid-back soul to up and coming singer-songwriters you won't want to miss the best of the South West! With award-winning real ales from local heroes Bath Ales and fine, filling food from Bristol favourites Pieminister, we'll have all the ingredients you'll need for a special summer evening.

30-31 August Bristol International Festival of Kites & Air Creations at Ashton Court

The 22nd annual Bristol International Festival of Kites & Air Creations will take place in Ashton Court Estate over the weekend of 30 & 31 August 2008. Organizers are promising an action packed aerial extravaganza featuring spectacular flying displays, kite
fighting battles, breathtaking synchronised routines flown to music and awesome power kites as well as colourful ground-based inflatables and air sculptures of all shapes and sizes.

Our local football and rugby teams are commencing their 2008/09 season this month with games as follows whilst Gloucestershire Cricket Club are finishing theirs:-

Bristol City

Bristol City Football Club, home games at Ashton Gate
Season kicks off on 9th August away to Blackpool with home games on 12th v Peterborough (LGCP), 16th v Derby County and 30th v QPR. Also away to Coventry on 23rd August.

Bristol Rovers Football Club

The season kicks off on 9th August hime to Carlisle. 12th (LGCP) away to Watford, 16th away to Brighton, 23rd home to Hereford, 30th away to Leeds United.

Bristol Rugby

Pre season friendlies are both away matches versus Exeter Chiefs on 16th August and Glasgow Warriors on 22nd August. The premiership season kicks off on 7th September with a massive test at home to Bath Rugby.

Gloucestershire Cricket Club

Matches in Bristol in August include a 4 day versus Northamptonshire commencing on 19th August and a one day  v Middlesex on 27th August.


Further details of other events can be accessed through our events calendar at www.guide2bristol.com so please keep checking here for whats going on as well as latest offers from Guide2Bristol.com which will be regularly featured in our news archive.

If you would like to contribute a news article, review or preview of an event please email sam@guide2bristol.com